Canon EOS 1200D is a new DSLR camera for entry-level class. There isn’t a huge upgrade over its predecessor, the 1100D. The 1200D offers 18MP APS-C CMOS Sensor with DIGIC 4 Image Processor to capture still image and Full HD 1080p Video recording. It has 3-inch LCD Screen, 100-6400 ISO, 9-Point Autofocus System, 3 fps Continuous Shooting, Scene Intelligent Auto Mode, and Compatible with Canon EF and EF-S Lenses. The camera is sold $549.00 including the EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens.

Features & Design

As a new camera that is intended for a beginner photographer, the Canon EOS 1200D is really specially designed with various features that are needed by beginners. At the same time this camera replaces the previous model that is quite old, the Canon EOS 1100D. However, if considered as the latest camera, the 1200D has a specification that does not differ much from its predecessor, only coupled with some enhanced features such as resolution of the sensor from 12MP into a 18MP, 3-inch LCD screen, and the outer design equipped premises textured rubber on its hand grip.

EOS 1200D has the size (W x H x D) 5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 “/ 13.0 x 9.9 x 7.9 cm with a weight body of 15.3 oz / 434 g. The size is not light or heavy for a beginner because it is almost the same size as the previous model. With the size and physical design make this camera a more solid feel in the hand plus its compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S that help users freely use any lens to suit his needs.

Meanwhile, the layout of the camera control buttons are placed exactly the same as the previous model except the live view / movie record is moved to the right side of the viewfinder. It was intended to simplify the new user of DSLR cameras. On the upper right side of the camera, you can find the shooting mode button which consists of a Program, Tv, Av, Manual, and so on. While in the back, you will find that all of the control buttons located on the right side of the screen. All the buttons are labeled with the name of the function keys to make it easier for users to understand the features of the camera.

In addition, the Canon EOS 1200D also features a Guide Mode feature that helps the user to understand the functions of the camera features in text form. And for connectivity, this camera uses HDMI C (Mini), Mini-USB, and Wired Remote Port. For a beginner camera, we assess this camera is more enough for a beginner to accompany hunting photos and videos. This camera is really intended for beginners who are new to a DSLR and a camera as they require an upgrade to a higher level.

Performance & Image Quality

Featuring a 18MP image sensor and DIGIC 4 image processor, the Canon EOS 1200D is able to capture images at a speed of 3 frames per second for 69 JPEG files in Continuous Shooting Mode and 3 frames per second for 6 RAW files. Additionally, this camera has a 9-point focus does not change from its predecessor to help focus quickly on the subject image and the user can be set with a choice of three focus modes ie One Shot, AI Focus and AI Servo.

To capture an image, you can use the Creative Filter feature that lets you select one of the effects of camera consists of Grainy B/W, Soft Focus, Fisheye Effect, Miniature Effect, and Toy Camera Effect. In the meantime, if you want to learn to use a variety of shooting modes, you can select them according to your shooting conditions consisting of a Scene Intelligent Auto (program AE, non-shiftable), Flash Off, Creative Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports , and Night Portrait. All the features and shooting modes are already more than enough to help a beginner who is still learning the photography world.

Example photos: 1/100 secf/11 | ISO 160 (credit: Photographyblog)

Meanwhile, for the image quality, the Canon EOS 1200D is capable of producing excellent quality images. Image appears free from noise at ISO 100 to ISO 800 with little noise that started a little look at ISO 1600. Even at ISO 3200, you can still use the images with less noise, but you need to avoid setting of ISO 6400 to ISO 12800 is quite disturbed by noise that arises. Thanks to an internal flash, you can capture images in low light situations with good results.

The Canon EOS 1200D is able to record video with options such as file size of 1920 x 1080p (Full HD), 1280 x 720p (HD), 640 x 480p (SD). You can also adapt, frame rate you want, for example, the size of 1920 x 1080 video at 30 fps, 25 fps, 24 fps; 1280 x 720 video at 60 fps, 50 fps, and 640 x 480 video at 30 fps, 25 fps. In video recording mode, you can use the Live View feature to see the results directly on the screen.

Should I buy the camera?

We highly recommend the Canon EOS 1200D for beginner photographers who learn and recognize a DSLR camera. Design, control, and its features are suited for beginner users because it is convenient and easy to understand when used. While the still image and the video quality is excellent to the size of the entry-level class. And more importantly, this camera is quite affordable at a price of $499.00.